Since 2000, over 50 people in Wisconsin have been killed by domestic abusers who were legally prohibited from possessing a gun. Some of these abusers had domestic abuse restraining orders issued against them that specifically required them to surrender their guns. Yet, in many Wisconsin counties, no one verifies that abusers actually turn in their guns, which leaves victims at greater risk.

New legislation would ensure that abusers who are banned under current law from possessing guns are asked about firearms they own or possess after they are subject to a restraining order. Abusers who have guns would be held accountable for complying with the law.

Please call or email your legislators[1] and tell them to co-sponsor LRB 1962. See below for talking points and a sample email. Contacts are especially needed between September 23 and October 4. (Please email tonyg@wcadv.org[2] after your contact.)

Talking Points

"Hello, my name is ____ and I am a constituent, from [your town or city and program, if applicable]."

The legislation creates a procedure so that the laws we already have to protect victims and prevent domestic violence homicides actually work.

A study found that victims felt safer with these procedures in place and that officials reported the procedures were not burdensome.

This is bi-partisan legislation. The bills will not affect the rights of anyone who is currently able to possess a gun.

Nationally and in Wisconsin, more domestic violence homicides are committed with guns than by all other methods combined.

Since 2000, over 50 people in Wisconsin have been killed by domestic abusers who were legally prohibited from possessing a gun.

Sample Email

Dear Representative/Senator [Name]:

I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor LRB 1962 from Representative Bies. My name is [Your Name] from [city and program, if applicable].

This bill will help enforce current laws, which are intended to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. Since 2000, over 50 people in Wisconsin have been shot and killed by domestic abusers who were legally prohibited from possessing a gun.

LRB 1962 will not affect the rights of anyone who is currently allowed to possess a gun. The legislation only creates a procedure to ensure that the current relinquishment requirement is enforced as part of the restraining order process. These procedures have already been successfully piloted in four Wisconsin counties. A study found that victims felt safer with the procedures in place and that officials reported the procedures were not burdensome.

Again, I urge you to co-sponsor this life-saving legislation. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name, City]

Selected Resources

This guide is meant to help advocates assist their clients with the voting process. With recent law changes and court decisions, even the basics of how to cast a ballot can be very confusing The guide covers voter registeration, ID requirements and determining where to vote.